Book Review: Coming Up for Air (Hundred Oaks #8) by Miranda Kenneally

Coming Up for Air
Hundred Oaks #8

By:
Miranda Kenneally

Release Date:
July 1, 2017

Publisher:
Sourcebooks Fire

Source:
eARC from the publisher in exchange for a honest review

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GR's Summary:

Swim. Eat. Shower. School. Snack. Swim. Swim. Swim. Dinner. Homework. Bed. Repeat. 

All of Maggie’s focus and free time is spent swimming. She’s not only striving to earn scholarships—she’s training to qualify for the Olympics. It helps that her best friend, Levi, is also on the team and cheers her on. But Levi’s already earned an Olympic try out, so she feels even more pressure to succeed. And it’s not until Maggie’s away on a college visit that she realizes how much of the “typical” high school experience she’s missed by being in the pool. 

Not one to shy away from a challenge, Maggie decides to squeeze the most out of her senior year. First up? Making out with a guy. And Levi could be the perfect candidate. After all, they already spend a lot of time together. But as Maggie slowly starts to uncover new feelings for Levi, how much is she willing to lose to win?

Hundred Oaks Series:
My Review of Racing Savannah Here
My Review of Breathe, Annie, Breathe Here
My Review of Jesse's Girl Here
My Review of Defending Taylor Here

*Add this Series to Goodreads Here

My Thoughts:

The Hundred Oaks Series is still going strong!  I love reading young adult contemporary sports romance.  Ms. Keneally's series is both light and fun, while at the same time delivering significant and meaningful insight in to various social issues pertaining to teens today.  I never tire of Ms. Keneally's stories, as she always delivers in her ability to spark and hold my interest, as well as giving me subject matter with depth to contemplate.  As an individual whom loves both Psychology and Sociology, her stories always offer me something special to treasure.

Coming Up for Air can be read as a standalone, as can the rest of the books in this series.  Yet, sometimes we'll see characters from other books.  I really enjoyed Coming Up for Air.  It is the story of Maggie King and Levi Lucassen.  Both of these characters are serious student athletes.  They have been swimming since they were toddlers, and are both trying to get a tryout for the olympics.  Maggie and Levi have been best friends since a young age, and they are close to each others families, due to being in the same social circles as swimmers and athletes.

Maggie feels like she has missed out on a social life.  Her whole life revolves around swimming, and now that she will be going to college next year, she feels like she is behind and too inexperienced in being intimate with guys.  Therefore, she propositions Levi to teach her how to "hook up."  Levi is experienced, and has had sex before.  Plus, he makes her feel safe, comfortable, and like he wouldn't judge her.  It takes Levi a short time to agree to a no-strings arrangement with Maggie, that is suppose to be strictly physical and not interfere with swimming which is both of their top priority.  However, what will happen when unexpected feelings get involved?

This story had a entertaining and fun secondary cast.  I enjoyed both Maggie and Levi's families, as well as their best friends Georgia (a competitive cheerleader,) and Hunter (a star baseball pitcher.)  I would be overjoyed if these two get their own book and end up together.  

I loved the themes in this story.  One main lesson had to do with putting your best foot forward, and trying to better yourself, as opposed to focusing on competing against others. Another theme I enjoyed was the fact that everybody grows, mature's, and experiences things best at their own pace, and shouldn't worry about keeping up with the crowd.  There were so many wonderful themes in this story and I recommend it for mature young adult readers and older. 

My Rating:

Coming Up for Air, and the whole Hundred Oaks Series is fantastic.  Readers that are enthusiastic with the young adult contemporary romance genre will love this light-hearted, feel-good, and meaningful set of stories!  I give, Coming Up for Air, by Miranda Kenneally, 5 Competitive Athlete, Friends to Lovers, Romantic, Growing Up Filled Stars!!!   

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About Miranda Kenneally:

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

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Release Blitz & Giveaway : The Weight of Life by Whitney Barbetti @barbetti

The Weight of Life

by Whitney Barbetti

Release Date:
June 28th, 2017

Genre:
Contemporary
Romance

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Source:
Author via RB Host

eARC received in exchange of honest review

Synopsis:

Mila 

“Don’t let go.” Those were my first words to him, as I hung over the side of a London bridge. The words I would soon say again, in a moment that didn’t involve bridges, but something much more fragile: my heart. 

He held onto me for three weeks, in a time when I needed to be held. Needed to connect to someone who understood how loss tunneled unrepentantly through the fabric of your soul. 

Although he said he'd stay, we both knew he wouldn't. I had already survived one loss—I didn't know if I'd survive another. 

Ames 

She spun into my life like a tornado of smiles and chatter and everything else I'd long avoided, with a persistence that I admired, albeit begrudgingly. She broke down each neat wall I’d constructed without even trying. Her presence alone caused me to remember what it felt like to smile, to look forward to what the day would bring. 

But it was only supposed to last three weeks. 

“Don’t let go,” she’d pleaded. 

I’d promised her I wouldn’t—but I would. I didn't have a choice.

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Amazon

Other books by Whitney Barbetti:

He Found Me ~ Ten Below Zero ~ He Saved Me ~ 
Into the Tomorrows ~ Back to Yesterday

Review:

The first book I read by Whitney Barbetti was Ten Below Zero. That book was an all-consuming reading journey that left me wanting more! I was happy when I saw the cover of TWoL appear on my news feed. This author always delivers an unforgettable reading escape. 

Mila and Ames are two wonderful characters that I absolutely fell in love with. Mila is on a five-week trip to London when she meets Ames. Their first meeting is unexpected and a life changing moment for both of them. They just don't know it yet. They have something in common and the more days they spend together, the more it's difficult for them to let go of the amazing and unforgettable moments that they're creating together.

I had such a fun time following Ames and Mila's journey. These two characters were fascinating and I absolutely loved their chemistry and banter. Mila is the kind of heroine I love to cheer for. She's a fighter. She refuses to let the sad and dark moments in her life consume her. She's the breath of fresh air that Ames needed in his life. Ames was such a wonderful hero. He's super romantic and I love the way he respects and loves Mila. Swoon fest guaranteed!

I absolutely loved the supporting cast of characters. They each added an extra touch of awesomeness to Ames and Mila's story. My first impression of this book was that it was going to be a sweet and romantic love story. Let me tell you that TWoL does not disappoint! This is exactly the kind of story that keeps me coming back for more. The writing style was phenomenal and it was a wonderful reading journey from beginning to end! I highly recommend it!

Rating:

I give, The Weight of Life, by Whitney Barbetti, 4.5 romantic,  heart-melting, passionate stars!

Teasers:

Giveaway:

The Weight of Life Release Blitz

About the Author:

I like nachos and champagne and clean sheets. I spend far too much time at Starbucks. 

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Blog Tour & Excerpt : Tycoon by Katy Evans @authorkatyevans @jennw23

Tycoon

by Katy Evans

Release Date:
June 20th, 2017

Genre:
Contemporary
Romance

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Blog Tour Hosted by:
Social Butterfly PR

Synopsis:

He wasn’t always this rich. This hot. This difficult. 
Aaric Christos was a guy who protected me. Wanted me. Maybe even loved me. 

That man is gone. 

In his place is the most powerful real estate tycoon in the city. He’s a cold, ruthless, aggressive businessman. 
The only one who can save me and my startup from ruin. 
It takes every ounce of courage to put my pride aside and ask for his help. 
I didn’t expect him to offer it easily. 

And he doesn’t. 

Instead, he vets me harder than he’s vetted anyone. 
Don’t invest in what you don’t know, he says. 
He's assessing every piece of me, to the point I've never felt so bare. 
I yearn for the boy I once knew, whose touch once craved me. Putting it all on the line will be worth it, I tell myself. 
Until I realize—too late—that some risks are not worth taking. 

Purchase Links:

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Excerpt:

I hop off the train and walk several walks to his building. It’s a brownstone in Park Avenue, one of the most elite of the elite spaces in town. My lungs feel a little bit overworked from awe as I head up the steps to the double doors, grateful that I came dressed to kill in a little black dress, a jacket, and pumps. Simple, but effective. See, I may be feeling a little awkward, but at least I don’t look it. I’m greeted by his maid. She’s dressed in black and white, her hair drawn back in a neat bun, her expression stoic and formal as she leads me down the hall to a gorgeous study. I catch my breath when I notice all the books and shelves. It’s like a reader’s paradise in here. There’s a sleek chrome bar, a modern mahogany glass-topped desk, and two huge whiskey-colored leather chairs that almost swallow me up when I’m instructed to wait in one. I drum my fingers, inhaling the scent of leather and wine, remembering a guy I knew with his mechanic navy-blue uniform, black streaks on his jaw, his big nose always the first thing you’d see, which was a pity because he had beautiful eyes and a really sinful pair of lips. He’s living in luxury now. Wow. Good for him. I hear footsteps approaching and the little hair on my arms prick at attention. My head turns as a tall, dark figure steps into the room, and the most intimidating guy I’ve ever seen enters and crosses the room toward the desk. He walks like he’s the shit…his strides proud and composed, elegant and powerful. Christos, I hear myself breathe in surprise. He’s so tall now…six three, at least. Dirty-blonde hair, gold-green eyes, chiseled jaw, and a gorgeous profile. All in black, he looks very much a New Yorker. He’s wearing a black jacket, black pants, and a black turtleneck beneath the jacket... I stare at him, my jaw hanging a little bit open. The man is….all man. Testosterone. Muscles. Height. Width. My chest hurts all of a sudden because I realize… The boy you knew is gone. I force myself to stand. “Thank you for seeing me.” He heads to the bar to pour two drinks, then he prowls over, takes the whiskey leather chair across from mine and leans forward, pushing a glass of cognac with one finger across a small table, toward me. And he waits. In silence. But my stomach dips as if he’d said something ultra-sexy and decadent. “You might not remember me, I’m sorry to be reaching out like this,” I say, nervous. “What do you want?” There’s a pleasant shiver as he speaks. Recognition of his voice, even though it’s far deeper than I remember. “I was told you sometimes invest in startups.” “I’d say more than sometimes.” He raises his eyebrows as if I should’ve done my homework better. Ugh, Bryn! Focus! Be SMART! Make yourself and your business irresistible! A silence settles as he eyes me, slowly setting his drink down as he leans forward and finally, unexpectedly, smiles. At me. It’s just a smile. But the world tilts under its impact. “Hello, little bit.” Amusement touches his gaze as he tilts his head and watches me. “You know, I’d think you’d have grown up the ten-plus years since I last saw you. At least an inch.” He leans back in his seat, seemingly displeased. Wow, this guy is not the lanky kid I knew once. This guy oozes danger. Every ounce of “boy” is gone. Oh God. For a moment I wish that we could go back in time and I could discuss my startup with the guy I knew before. But time travel is not really my talent, and it seems like I have yet to see if I even have any special talents at all—depending on what this guy thinks. “I grew two in width,” I shock myself saying. He laughs then, his eyes drinking me in openly. “Shame on you, you’re not trying to see if it’s true?” I ask him, frowning now. He shrugs casually, his lips curved at the corners. “I can’t help it. Something has to have changed.” “Why?” “Because nothing good ever lasts. Even you, little bit.” A smile touches those unforgettable gold-green eyes. A shiver runs through me. Because… Christos recognized me. “I can tell you’re as incorrigible as ever.” I shake my head, but I’m smiling, truly just relieved that he recognized me. “I try to be,” he purrs dangerously. I’m feeling warm all of a sudden. I can’t believe I’m staring at him so much, but it’s like I cannot take my eyes away. He looks achingly familiar, but at the same time, so different I cannot help but stare and track the differences in his features. The way his jaw squared out even more, the way his body filled out with hard, lean muscles that shift and ripple beneath his expensive designer clothes. I cannot believe that this is a guy I knew once. He seems to silently be taking in my changes too, his keen stare allowing me to see that he seems to approve of it all. Even the dress I’m wearing. “You changed enough for the both of us,” I blurt. “Really. How so?” he asks. “You grew into your nose.” “Really?” He chuckles as if despite himself. “Width and height too. Quite a bit,” I add. “Anything else,” he prods, one eyebrow rising. “You learned how to dress.” He looks down at his black suit. “This old thing?” He grins, then shifts forward, sobering up. “What can I do for you, Bryn? Considering I’m rather surprised to see you here, I’m eager for you to satiate my curiosity.” His stare becomes keen. “So am I. I didn’t expect to be here,” I admit, and for a moment when I look into his eyes, all I see is someone I’ve seen before. Someone who belonged in my life long ago. “You know when you had that misplaced crush on me and told me one day I’d know what it felt like to throw pebbles at someone’s window wanting them to open? I’m sort of throwing rocks here.” “Not to sing me a love song,” he says flatly, his eyes shuttering. “No. Well, you know that was never....I mean...” Don’t bring up your rejection of him, Bryn! “It’s for something better. Business.” “Go on.” “I knew that’d get you.” I smile privately. “So it’s true your love is money now.” “She gives back what I put in. Though her ass isn’t as juicy as I like,” he says nonchalantly. “Wow. No matter how polished you look, your mouth is still as crude as ever.” “Thank you,” he purrs, his eyes grinning at me. I laugh. Then I sober up and realize he’s waiting for me to speak. “I’m looking for money for my startup,” I say. “How much.” “One hundred thousand.” “I don’t invest less than a million.” He twirls his whiskey in his glass, eyeing the liquid. “Well then, I’ll ask for a million.” He raises his brows, setting his glass down. “It’s not how much you want to ask for, it’s how much the company’s worth.” Eyebrows up, he skewers me with a cold, intimidating look. “It’ll be worth more than a million, trust me,” I bluff. “Good for you. Except…” he leans back with a rustle of clothes, every athletic inch of his black-clad body flowing sinuously like a feline with the move, “considering that has yet to happen and I’ll need to trust you on that, my trust needs to be earned.” This version of Christos is even more intimidating than the old one, unfortunately. I try to hide it, keeping my voice as level as possible. “How does one earn your trust?” “I’d tell you if I were interested, but I’m not exactly sure that I am.” He eyes me as if debating in silence. This guy is the only guy in the world that unnerves me in this way, and I can’t seem to slow the fast pounding of my heart in my chest as I try to remember what I came here to say. “I have a full presentation for you. I’m not taking no for an answer.” I reach into my briefcase. “Darling. Are you ready?” I start at the female voice and glance at a gorgeous woman striding into the study. Christos continues looking at me as he stands and reaches for the cell phone the woman extends out. “We’re done here,” he answers her as he pockets the phone, his gaze remaining on me. “I’ll wait for you in the car.” She leans up and kisses his jaw, her hands proprietary on his chest, then sends me a woman-to-woman claiming look, before she swishes away, all glittering jewels and lean body. There’s a silence as he approaches, and for a second all I can hear is the sound of a toilet flushing, taking my only opportunity with a possible investor away. “I’ll think about it,” he says. “Christos.” “I said I’ll think about it,” he says from the door. “Please do,” I say as he exits the room. I cup the sides of my mouth, “I’ll be back tomorrow. Same time?” I say jokingly. I’m surprised when I hear footsteps returning. He pauses when our eyes meet. “I’ll make contact,” he says, raising his eyebrows meaningfully, “If I’m interested in hearing more.” He nods. “Nice to see you, Bryn.” “Nice to see you. Christos.” Well, that went sort of awful.

Teaser:

About the Author:

Katy Evans is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her debut REAL shot to the top of the bestselling lists in 2013 and since then 9 of her titles have been New York Times bestsellers. Her books have been translated into nearly a dozen languages across the world. 

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Cover Reveal & Excerpt : The Bars Between Us by A.S. Teague @authorasteague @inkslingerpr

The Bars Between Us

by A.S. Teague

Release Date:
July 20th, 2017

Genre:
Contemporary Romance

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Cover Reveal Hosted by:
InkSlinger PR

Synopsis:

I don’t have a damn thing in common with the beautiful rich girl who walks in to my bar. She’s southern class, fancy cars, and designer shoes. 

I’ve got a drunk for a mother, a cheater for a father, and a reputation for trouble I’ve more than earned. 

I look the other way, pretending I don’t notice how perfect she is. She wouldn’t give me the time of day anyway. Until she shatters that first impression and shows me she’s so much more––everything I never thought I deserved. 

After a lifetime of being a disappointment, I want to prove to her that I’m better than my past. 

We have one tragic thing in common, and the thread that binds us together will tear us apart as it unravels. 

Are we strong enough to break through the Bars Between Us?

Exclusive Excerpt:

Parked beside my car is a truck that’s got to be twice as old as I am and looks like it should have been buried long ago. 

Bronn hooks a thumb in the rust bucket’s direction and tells me, “Bessie’s seen better days, but I just can’t bring myself to put her out to pasture.” 

I pull my door open and toss my purse inside, before turning to face him. “Bessie, huh?” 

He props a hip on her front fender. “Belonged to my dad. When he died, Dani’s mom kept her. Gave her to me.” 

His face is relaxed, but the pain of his loss is still in his eyes, and I’ve come to notice that it’s a look that’s always there. Even when he’s laughing, it doesn’t erase the perpetual sadness that he carries with him. It’s a sadness that I carry with me as well. 

“When I was a kid, my dad took me to the beach once.” 

Bronn’s brows knit and I hurry to continue my story. “It was cold that morning, early spring, the breeze causing goosebumps to take up permanent residence on my arms. I remember Daddy taking his sweat shirt off and putting it on me. The thing swamped me.” I pause and laugh, remembering how the arms of the hoodie had drug the ground and how daddy had belly laughed at the sight before rolling them up. “Anyway, we searched for shark’s teeth that morning. It was too cold to swim, too cold to play in the sand. But I’d had a fascination with the predators of the sea, a newfound one, and Daddy had been determined that we were going to find a great white’s full jaw, I think.” I’d been staring up at the sky, but I glanced at Bronn to see his face rapt with attention, his expression intense. “We looked and looked until my eyes went cross. But, we didn’t have any luck.” 

I can’t tear my gaze away from Bronn’s, even though the way he’s studying me is a little unnerving. 

“We found all kinds of amazing shells, rocks that were smooth from being tumbled by the waves, crab shells that must have been eaten by gulls. But nothing that came from Jaw’s mouth.” I shrug, and smile. Bronn smiles back. His face finally relaxes, but his eyes are still full of emotion. 

“I remember Daddy was so disappointed. But I wasn’t. I’d spent the morning with my favorite person in the world. I may have been freezing the whole time, my face chapped from with wind and sand whipping in it, my hair a tangled mess that took mama an hour to brush, but it was the best day.” 

The half-smile that I’d been sporting while lost in the memory fades. “That was my last happy memory with him. He died not long after that.” I swallow hard, determined not to cry. 

The memory is bittersweet, but it’s still sweet. That’s the thing about memories. The same exact memory can be happy or sad, depending on how you choose to remember it. And I choose to remember the sheer joy I’d felt that day, not the crushing sadness that it was the last time I’d felt that way. 

I clear the emotion from my throat. “Anyway, I don’t know why I shared that. Just, maybe, to tell you, that I understand holding on to something because it has sentimental value.” I nod at his truck, “Bessie may not be worth any money, but she’s worth her weight in gold if she makes you happy.” 

My lips quiver as I offer a smile. Bronn may think that we come from different worlds, and maybe we do. Nana would have killed me dead if I had ever come home from a date in a truck like his. But there’s sadness and loss everywhere, no matter how much money you have. And that common thread binds us together, whether Bronn realizes it or not.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author:

A.S. Teague enjoys the warmth of South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. The stereotypes about peach cobbler and sweet tea are not overstated. After years in the medical field, she is now enjoying every minute of being a stay-at-home mom. She loves wine, the beach, wine on the beach, and crying at Disney movies. When she doesn’t have a book in her hand, she can be found pestering her husband with pictures of animals she wants to rescue, as well as debating whether to exercise or take a nap.

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Cover Reveal : Dear Bridget, I Want You by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Dear Bridget, I Want You

by Penelope Ward
& Vi Keeland

Release Date:
September 18th, 2017

Genres:
Contemporary
Romance

Add to Goodreads

Cover Reveal Hosted by:
InkSlinger PR

Synopsis:

Dear Bridget, 

I’m writing this letter because it’s highly doubtful I’ll ever garner the courage to say this to your face. 

So, here goes. 

We’re totally wrong for each other. You’re the proper single mum with a good head on your shoulders. I’m just the carefree British doctor passing through town and temporarily living in your converted garage until I head back to England. 

But here’s the thing… for some bloody reason, I can’t stop thinking about you in very inappropriate ways. 

I want you. 

The only reason I’m even admitting all of this to you right now is because I don’t believe it’s one-sided. I notice your eyes when you look at me, too. And as crass as I appear when we’re joking around about sex, my attraction to you is not a joke. 

So, what’s the purpose of this note? I guess it’s a reminder that we’re adults, that sex is healthy and natural, and that you can find me just through the door past the kitchen. More specifically, it’s to let you know that I’m leaving said door cracked open from now on in case you’d like to visit me in the middle of the night sometime. 

No questions asked. 

Think about it. 

Or don’t. 

Whatever you choose. 

It’s doubtful I’ll even end up sliding this letter under your door anyway. 

 --Simon

Model: 

 Philip Van den Hoogenband – Chadwick Models Melbourne 

Photographer: Brian Jamie 

Cover designer: Letitia Hasser, RBA Designs

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Meet Penelope Ward 

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor, before switching to a more family-friendly career. She is the proud mother of a beautiful 11-year-old girl with autism and a 9-year-old boy. Penelope and her family reside in Rhode Island. 

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 Meet Vi Keeland 

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. With more than a million books sold, her titles have appeared in over fifty Bestseller lists and are currently translated in fourteen languages. She lives in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

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